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Music Review: Believe by Raishein

R&B over the decades has borrowed its strongest elements from Gospel. From the harmonies and melodies of various songs right down to the actual singers, Urban Gospel music laid a solid foundation not only for R&B but also pop music in general. Raishein’s debut Gospel album Believe shows all who listen that gospel  music is coming full circle. With solid R&B underpinnings, Believe proves that solid Gospel music can be just as accessible as R&B that bombards our today’s youth.

rashein believe on amazon

The range of notes this Houston, TX, singer/songwriter is able to achieve with her voice reminds me of Cheryl “Coko” Clemons, the gospel singer formerly of the platinum selling R&B group SWV.  Raishein’s alto is powerful and angelic. Her soprano notes are enchanting to the point you can feel the intensity of her emotions.

The 11 songs on the Pre-Release Version of the Believe album is full of laid back R&B jams reminiscent of the late 90s and early 00s (minus the bump and grind). Raishein’s lyrical abilities shine on every track drawing her listeners to celebrate joy and praise God. There are a few songs that stand out, such as I’ve Got Joy, Help Me, Trust and Choose.

  • Choose is musically different to what orthodox Gospel listeners may think Gospel music should sound like. I liked the use of drums and the bass to drive the rhythm. Raishein’s lyrics speak of truth and hold everything together like glue.
  • Raishein makes a great connection with her listeners on Trust. I suggest anyone going through  tough times, enemies and despair to let this song seep into their soul.  This song is truly inspiring.
  • Help Me is a powerful ballad that makes great use of a piano to showcase Raishein’s vocal presence. Raishein truly pours her soul with lyrics of love, life and loyalty to the Lord. This song gives listeners a chance to really hear what Raishein has as a singer.
  • I’ve Got Joy demands you to jump out of your seat and stomp your feet. From the first note this song is funky and defiant. You’ll feel like shouting from the first note. Since it’s one of the faster cuts on the CD, you’ll probably be sweating by the time the next song starts. This is the perfect song to play when Satan attempts to steal your happiness and falls flat on his face…

As the Princess of Gospel Pop Music, Raishein gives to you her musical testimony to God. Believe is the perfect CD for the lover of Christ that also loves the vibes of soft R&B.

http://www.myspace.com/raishein
http://music.blackplanet.com/raisheinsings/
http://shoutlife.com/raishein

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5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Raishein, Believe

JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Rashein, Believe
(Raishein Productions)

rashein believe on amazon

Raishein, gospel pop music’s new crowned Princess, is an anointed singer, songwriter, actress and recording artist. She relies on truth and writes from her own remarkable life experiences. Every musical testimony is a page torn from her diary. She composes songs that speak to the perseverance of the human spirit by transforming her wounds into a source of strength.

In 2002, Raishein became a covenant partner and music minister with Faith World in Orlando, Florida. Through God’s direction, she obediently relocated with her family to Houston, Texas in 2004 and joined Trinity Fellowship Church, where she is currently one of the praise and worship leaders.

Raishein feels that ministry by music is one of the most powerful tools that is used today to reach a generation that is looking for fulfillment in this world. She uses her talents prophetically to reach the world with God’s message of love, grace and hope in spite of trials and tribulations. She believes strongly in teaching this generation how to rid themselves of religious mindsets and develop a serious relationship with Jesus Christ. She uses her unique voice, love for people and heart after God to inspire others to realize that in spite of your past, you can make it with Jesus.

Bishop G. Emerson Scott, of Trinity Fellowship Church, says it best with his quote, “Every Season brings new faces, fresh sounds and key voices. Voices that communicate the soul and heart of the ages. With so many searching for directions and answers, the hour requires a sound and voice with clarity. Raishein, possesses such a voice. The lyrical content of her music will point the soul of man in the way of peace and tranquility. As every move of God begins with a sound, get ready. Raishein blows the trumpet!”

With the completion of the adroit album titled Believe, Raishein has delivered an impressive, powerful, and moving debut. As the album unfolds, Raishein leads audiences deeper into her world, walking them through a place of worship through her experiences and emotions. The CD reveals that if you believe in Jesus, He can make a way out of no way. Get ready for the CD Release of Believe on 2-10-2009.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Believe?

Raishein: I asked God what I should name my album and he just laid it on my heart. Believe was the name that he gave me.

JP: What sets Believe apart from other CDs in the gospel pop genre?

R: Believe is an original sound with original material written by two songwriters: Arleen Dorn of Soul Cry Entertainment and myself for Raishein Productions. These tracks are written from a page torn from my personal diary. The views within the songs reach out to a generation of hurting people who need to believe in the God that saved them and in the future that God prepared for them here on earth before the beginning of time. (Jer 29:11)

JP: What are the keys to your success that lead to Believe getting out to the public?

R: The release of Believe is different because I am involving fans. I really value their input. I currently have a VOTE for my 1st single campaign out right now on the websites. Spiritually, God will open supernatural doors. Personally, my team will continue to be persistent through reaching out to press, media, radio, television and through national and international touring. I’ve also been successful to remember not to lose hope when closed doors seem to be present. You just have to keep moving and be focused on the real ministry at hand. I believe that Believe is going to touch the public in a massive way in spite of the obstacles.

JP: Name some artists that came before you that have directly influenced your sound?

R: There was a time in my younger years that I really listened to many secular artists such as Aretha Franklin, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, SWV (Sisters with Voices) and several other artists in that genre. As far as gospel music, back then I listened to Bebe and Cece Winans and Tramaine Hawkins. Each of these artists have touched my heart throughout those years. I’ve been told before that when some have heard my voice, they thought of Coko from SWV. The only thing I could think was, “Well I did listen to a lot of SWV.” It is truly an honor now that she sings for the King of Kings!

JP: What’s next for Raishein?

R: In 2010, I will release my sophomore album Make a Way. I will also be expanding my acting roles while being featured in movies, TV and more gospel musical opportunities. I am currently a lead actress in the gospel musical Confessions of a Preacher’s Wife. I play the preacher’s wife.

Ministry-wise, I will be getting involved in outreach programs for troubled teens and abused women to fulfill the vision of my ministry not only through my music. This is a major part of my God-given purpose to heal through my music and my testimony.

http://www.myspace.com/raishein
http://music.blackplanet.com/raisheinsings/
http://shoutlife.com/raishein

P.S. Join the Joey Reviews Newsletter at http://joeypinkney.com/joey-reviews-newsletter.html

P.S.S. If you want to be feature in a 5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… series, email me at joey.pinkney@gmail.com or myspace.com/joeyreviews

This Post is Sponsored by:

Peace in the Storm Banner

Barbara Grovner Banner

Jahzara Writes Banner

Jean Holloway Banner

MoneyMakingBanners@gmail.com

Advertise with JoeyPinkney.com for just $20 (click here).